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Don’t give up on God

January 24, 2012 By sami

I just finished co-hosting the family-friendly morning show with Doug while Jaci Velasquez was off promoting her new album. It was an amazing experience and in the excitement of the morning I realized my gas tank was almost on empty. So I left the station and promptly found a place to fill up.

After pulling in, I watched a homeless man selling papers at the intersection. I felt voyeuristic as I sat in my car talking on my phone paying for expensive gas.

There was something very unassuming about him. Sometimes people in that position seem desperate.

Not him.

I didn’t feel sorry for him as much as I felt compelled to help him.

Not long after that thought, as I still sat in my car waiting for the tank to fill, he walked to his backpack propped up against a nearby sign.

In that moment I felt God say, “don’t give up.”

Was that meant for me? Should I not give up on helping him?

Perhaps I was supposed to tell him to not give up. Should I tell him,”don’t give up on what God has for you?” who was I to be giving any sort of advice in this circumstance?

So instead, after my tank filled, I put my receipt in my wallet and I pulled out a single dollar bill. I went out of my way to drive up to him so that he was right next to my driver side window. Since he had left his post and was hunched over his backpack, I had to summon his attention.

“excuse me sir, may I buy a paper from you?”

If I had startled him, he didn’t show it. Instead he looked up at me with a genuine smile and simply said, “Of course.”

As we made the exchange, I returned the smile and said “don’t give up on what you’re doing.”

I don’t know if that was the right thing to say. In fact I don’t know if I should have said anything at all. But I do know that that was what came out of my mouth in that moment, and I know that God can do more with my words than I ever could dream of.

Have you given up on God lately? Have you given up on what God has for you?
Have you put yourself in a position that you think you know better than God?

Whatever the case may be just remember this: there is someone watching over you every moment of the day and He’ll give you exactly what you need when you least expect it… and He will never give up on you.

Filed Under: Devotions, Faith, Faith in Action Tagged With: christian, give up, god, homeless

Family New Year’s Resolutions: Tommy Nelson Blog

January 3, 2012 By sami

I’m back on the Tommy Nelson Blog today with a post about Family New Year’s Resolutions!

Does your family set New Year’s Resolutions?

I realize the New Year is typically a time for people to reflect and re-evaluate, but how often do you include your kids when you set such goals? After all, aren’t we supposed to model God’s standard of behavior when it comes to health, wealth and happiness?

I think one of the fatal mistakes we make when it comes to setting goals and changing behavior is that we try to go it alone. Whether it’s an accountability partner to help protect your relationships or a running buddy to help you lose weight, teaming up has proven to increase your chances of actually sticking to your goals.

Read the entire article on the Tommy Nelson Blog….

Filed Under: Articles, Faith, Faith in Action, Family, Kid Tip Tagged With: Family, Kids, new year, resolution, tommy nelson

Kids Prayer Poster

January 1, 2012 By sami

Cone Kids Prayer Poster

If you’re looking for a tangible way to help your family pray together on a consistent basis in 2012, consider making a Kids Prayer Poster.

When I first became a Christian in my 20′s, I quickly realized I couldn’t possibly pray for everyone all the time. So while I knew there would always be spontaneous and continuous prayer in my life, I also knew I needed to get some sore of system going to make sure there was consistency in my prayer life, especially surrounding the people and causes I care for.

So I created categories I would pray for each day, week by week. Again, that didn’t mean that I couldn’t verge from or ad to my prayers, people and categories, but it simply gave me a nice template to structure my prayers around. Which made me think, why couldn’t I do something similar for my kiddos?

Since they don’t carry a planner or smart phone around yet (thankfully) and are more captivated by pictures than words, I though a prayer poster would be the best solution. Plus, I had also been trying to devise a way for them to remember extended family that we didn’t see very often, so this fit the bill perfectly!

Here are the step by step directions for our kids prayer poster (you’ll want to supervise, but make sure your kids do as much of this as possible so that they know it’s theirs!):

1. Take a plain old sheet of white poster board and turn it horizontal.

2. Have the kids write a title across the top and then skip a space and write the days of the week across under the title.

3. Under the days of the week, write the category of what/who you’ll be praying for that day.

4. Find and print pictures to represent those categories/people, so you have a visible reminder of who/what you’re praying for.

5. Display the prayer poster in a prime area and reference it during your designated family prayer time (before school, before bed, before nap, etc)

You can come up with your categories any way you see fit, but for a point of reference, here is what/who we pray for each day:

Sunday: Church (including pastors, missionaries, non-profit causes we support, etc)
Monday: Work (our jobs, co-workers, etc) & School (teachers, classmates, etc)
Tuesday: Our Family (this is just our nuclear family)
Wednesday: My husband’s extended family
Thursday: My extended family
Friday: Friends (including other couples, kids’ friends, etc)
Saturday: Our nation (and issues surrounding our government and culture)

Again, this is only a template, but it works for us. It’s also been fun to have the visible reminders and go down picture by picture to pray for individuals, especially extended family and long-distance friends.

Does your family do anything like this? What categories for prayer would you add that I missed?

Filed Under: Faith, Faith in Action, Family Tagged With: christian, Faith, Family, Kids, poster, pray, prayer

Family Prayer Shield

December 31, 2011 By sami

Cone Prayer Shield

I’ve been getting asked about our family Prayer Shield a lot lately, so I thought it only fitting to share about what it is, how it got started and how we plan to refine it for 2012.

I first learned about having a prayer shield from one of my mentors and colleagues, Catherine Hickem. Though I know we are to called to cover each other in prayer, it was the first time I’d seen someone be so intentional about rallying others in protective prayer on a consistent basis. While she asked others to cover certain areas of her ministry in prayer, I thought it fitting to do something similar for our family.

Thus the Cone Prayer Shield was born! What we decided was to find someone (or a family we knew, loved and trusted) to commit to praying for our family on the same day of each month. In return, we would commit to pray for them and their family on that same day every month.

It’s as simple as that. We sent an email out (this was before Facebook) asking if friends, family, co-workers, etc would be interesting in committing to do what we described above for one year; that’s right, we asked for a 12 month commitment. I also promised to send out an update at the beginning of each month with what happened in our family in the prior month and what we coveted prayer for in the coming month (something I’ve been woefully behind in doing and hope to get better at in 2012).

We then filled out the names of the parties who agreed on a form and posted it in an easily visible, highly trafficked area (for us, that meant the fridge, as seen above). I also made smaller copies of the shield for me to carry in my purse organizer and put in the car (though I may now make one for my iPhone in 2012).

I’m also purposing in 2012 to contact the people we’re praying for in some way on the day we pray. I’m not pretending to think I’ll be able to call them each time (since I’m a horrible phone person), but it may be a text message, Facebook wall post or a quick email.

I’ve gone so far as to create a very basic (VERY basic) family prayer shield for you all to get started as well, if you wish. It’s simply a Google doc, and some of you would be able to create something much prettier on your own, but for those of you without computer software or know-how, I wanted you to have something you could simply and quickly print out today.

You would be amazed at what can happen in your life when you know your family is covered in prayer each and every single day of the year. it doesn’t cost you anything: only faith and commitment. So what’s stopping you from starting today?

Download your free family prayer shield

Filed Under: Devotions, Faith, Faith in Action, Family Tagged With: cone, download, Faith, Family, month, pray, prayer, shield

Revolution

December 29, 2011 By sami

We are in the midst of a revolution.

To say that 2011 was interesting for our family would be an understatement: we started a new business, struggled with our health, traveled to new places, stretched our finances, and refined our marriage.

While I wouldn’t change any of it (well, maybe a few things), it does make me more reflective for the year ahead.

I know there are things we need to do differently so that we don’t simply survive each day, but instead thrive.

I just read this quote, and not only did it make me stop and think, but it truly sums up how we want to live from this point forward:

“Live with thanksgiving, forgiveness and joy, and enjoy all your moments as if they were your last. Someday, soon enough, they will be.” ~Debi Pearl

My father just turned 85 on New Year’s Eve, and I desperately wanted our family to travel to Chicago to spend it with him. While circumstances prevented us from doing so, I realized that we can’t let age determine the urgency with which we should take advantage of life! After all, we never know what tomorrow holds, so why are we wasting today?

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:34

So this year we are living without regret. We are embracing each day for what it is and recognizing that while we attempt to get organized and implement more routines, our schedule is not our own. We want to be available to those who need us, intentional in our relationships with God and each other, and purposeful in taking charge of our health, our work and our joy (it is a choice!).

So I want to say thank you in advance for all of you who have walked with me in this journey and for those of you who will continue along the way. I don’t know exactly what lies in store, but I do know that I am grateful for today and the promise of tomorrow.

Who’s ready to join me in a revolution?

Filed Under: Christian Living, Devotions, Faith Tagged With: 2012, devotion, Faith, god, relationship, revolution

Familiar

December 27, 2011 By sami

There’s a level of familiarity we have with close friends and family that’s comforting, but can also backfire on us.

I’ve come to observe that my 7 year old, while almost always polite, is often much more thoughtful when speaking to her teachers and strangers than when talking to me, her own mother.

While I appreciate that she’s so comfortable with me that she can say whatever she wants, her mouth often can get her in trouble.

I’m not talking rude, but simply speaking before she thinks.

But then it made me think about how I’ve spoken to my own mother over the years.

I can’t say I’ve always given her the respect she’s deserved. As a single mom for the majority of my life, she sacrificed more than I’ll ever know…yet I often probably treated her as if I deserved it all…and more.

How often did I thank her for the everyday? How often do I now take time to call her and show my love and gratitude for who she is and all she has been to me?

The answer is: not enough. Yet she loves me anyway.

We assume that those closest to us will automatically have to forgive us of our faults, but realistically, how often can someone take the same thoughtless words and behavior over and over before they crack?

I’m thankful that we have a Lord and Savior that we can bring our burdens to, yet who will not crack under our pressures; one makes Himself familiar to us, but who knows us better than we could ever know ourselves.

You have searched me, LORD,
   and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
   you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
   you are familiar with all my ways. ~ Psalm 139:1-3

Filed Under: Devotions, Faith, Faith in Action, Forgiveness Tagged With: devotion, Faith, familiar, Family, talk

Am I Enough?

December 12, 2011 By sami

I felt God asking me just now, “Am I enough”?
As I stepped out of the shower this morning, I discovered this photo in the trash. Last night I had to cut out a picture of my kids to put on an ornament for school. Granted I was the one who had done the dirty work, but when I saw the image of them cut out of our lives this morning, it was almost too much for me to bear.

That was when I immediately heard God say, “Am I enough?”

I didn’t feel like He was trying to take my children or my husband away from me for that matter, but I just felt like it was a wake-up call to realize that sometimes I put my hope and love in things other than Him.

We always say that God is enough, but do we mean it? It’s easy to get wrapped up in those we love, but if we don’t go back and draw from the One who loved us first, we will never be able to give them all the love they deserve!

Filed Under: Devotions, Faith, Love Tagged With: devotion, enough, Faith, Family, god, hope, Love, picture

The Choice of Family

December 7, 2011 By sami

I’m back on the Tommy Nelson blog this month with an article called “Choosing Family this Christmas“. While a lot of people are in the midst of sharing some of their favorite memories, traditions and ways they celebrate the season, I also wanted to share another reality so many of us face during the holidays.

While this is a favorite time of year for many families, it can also be a time filled with stress and choices.

It should go without saying that we live in a fallen world, but for some reason, when it comes to Christmas, many families expect perfection.

Perfect family pictures. Perfect turkey dinners. Perfect behavior. Perfect decorations. And most of all, perfect time together.

Unfortunately, that is not reality…Read full article

Filed Under: Articles, Faith, Family Tagged With: article, choice, Christmas, december, Family, holiday, tommy nelson

Pure Joy Project

December 6, 2011 By sami

I’m trying something new. It’s called the Pure Joy Project. I created it. Will you join me?

I should stop right there. After all, it’s when I keep talking that I get myself in trouble!

I’ll admit it: I’m a cynical person. I could blame it on my (almost) 85 year old Jewish father who taught me to always question everything. I could blame it on growing up as an only child and having to always counter balance myself. Heck, I could just flat out blame it on always wanting to voice my opinion.

Whatever the case, I’ve recently felt my snappy personality could be detrimental. Sure, it leads to some witty comebacks every now and then, but more than that, I feel it:
1. Fosters a negative instead of a grateful heart
2. Sets a poor standard for my children

So I’m making a stand.

Here.

Now.

Will you ~~join~~ help me?

Much like a diet, I realize I’m a gung-ho person: I jump whole-heartedly into a project, but then quickly find ways to rationalize my way out of it.

But realizing that is half the battle, isn’t it?

So I’ve created the Pure Joy Project. Well, ‘create’ may be a bit strong. Let’s just say I’ve put a name to an idea God planted in my heart.

As I’ve been praying about this cynical dilemma I have, I realized that much of my cynicism comes from either feeling like I don’t deserve the trials I face or feeling like I’ve been treated unjustly. (I’m just being real here – I hope that’s ok). At the same time, I also became aware that I was constantly coaching my daughter to “see the positive” in every situation, though she tends to do the opposite.

That’s when it truly dawned on me: Joy is a choice. We don’t deserve it. It doesn’t just happen. We must strive for it…

Just look at James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. <emphasis added by myself>

It’s not natural to be joyful when staring adversity in the face, yet those are the instances we often look back and appreciate for making us who we are today.

So today, will you consider making a ~~change~~ choice with me?

I’d like to think we could make this change permanently, but for now, let’s just give it a week.

Start by catching yourself every time you think something negative and reframing it into something positive. Instead of telling your kids what NOT to do, be more clear in communicating your expectations of them up front. Before you gossip and chit chat about what the person in front of you at Starbucks is wearing, find a way to make them feel a little more special today.

Whatever your trigger is for you, confess it and ask for help! I want us to encourage each other – to become Lil’ Miss Sunshine – but to relax, focus on what’s important and let go of those nit-picky things that turn our backs into a ball of stress.

Think you can handle that?

Good. Here’s where to start:

1. Join me for a LIVE CHAT on Blog Frog tonight on how to “Give Back during the Holidays”.

2. Write a post on your own blog, Facebook page or even Twitter status sharing how you plan on putting the Pure Joy Project to work in your life this week. Share the direct link on the linky tool below; Make sure to use the hashtag #PureJoyProject so we can follow and encourage each other!

3. Leave a comment below with your #PureJoyProject pledge and let us know what one area of your life you’ll choose to turn into Pure Joy this week!

Really, I need this more than anyone, but I figured if I’m struggling with this, some of you may be as well….so we might as well help each other!

I can’t wait to hear from you…

Filed Under: Devotions, Faith, Joy Tagged With: Faith, gratitude, James 1, joy, positive, project, pure

The Feast

November 21, 2011 By sami

Many of us will pull ourselves up to a table to feast on turkey and all the trimmings this week…and some of us more than once!

But have you ever paused to think what exactly you’re feasting on? Not necessarily on Thanksgiving, but on a regular basis?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also ~ Matthew 6:21

Do you feast online, devouring Facebook updates and Tweets? Do you feast on the accolades you receive over your clean house? Are you feasting on the bottom line of your work spreadsheet as you present it to your boss after an 80 hour work week? Perhaps you’re feasting on your kids’ latest trophy win.

Whatever it may be these days, take time to consider where you’re feasting; that is, where you’re spending the majority of your time and energy. Because if you’re spending it anywhere other than the Father’s table, everyone else that comes in contact with you is only going to get the leftover’s of your table scraps, instead of equal portions of His plenty.

Come, all you who are thirsty,
   come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
   come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
   without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
   and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
   and you will delight in the richest of fare.
~ Isaiah 55:1-2

Filed Under: Busyness, Devotions, Faith Tagged With: daily, devotion, feast, Isaiah 55, Matthew 6, table, Thanksgiving

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